Ultimate 2-Week Tassie Road Trip: Must-See Spots

Tasmania packs an extraordinary amount of natural beauty into Australia's smallest state. With two weeks up your sleeve, you'll have time to experience ancient rainforests, pristine beaches, world-class food and wine, and some of the most dramatic landscapes on the continent.

Why Two Weeks in Tasmania?

While you could rush through Tassie in a week, two weeks lets you:

Go deeper - Spend time hiking, not just driving
Chase the weather - Flexibility to swap days if it rains
Discover hidden gems - Get off the main tourist trail
Actually relax - Holiday parks with great facilities become destinations, not just stopovers

Getting There

Spirit of Tasmania

The iconic ferry crossing from Geelong to Devonport is an adventure in itself. Overnight sailings mean you wake up in Tasmania with your car ready to explore. Book early for peak season: cabins sell out months ahead.

Flying

Hobart and Launceston airports both have regular flights from mainland capitals. Hire a car or campervan on arrival. One-way rentals between cities are usually available.

Must-See Highlights

Launceston and Surrounds (3-4 Days)

Tasmania's northern city is the perfect place to start your adventure, especially if you've arrived on the Spirit of Tasmania.

Cataract Gorge

Just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, Cataract Gorge feels like stepping into another world. This stunning natural formation features:

The world's longest single-span chairlift - Glide across the gorge for spectacular views
First Basin - A peaceful swimming spot surrounded by cliffs and Victorian gardens
Walking trails - From easy strolls to challenging climbs up to the Duck Reach Power Station
Peacocks and wildlife - Wander the grounds and spot the resident peacocks
Suspension bridge - Cross the Alexandra Suspension Bridge for that perfect photo
Free entry - One of Tasmania's best attractions costs nothing (chairlift extra)

The Gorge is magical at any time of day, but sunrise and sunset paint the cliff faces in golden light. Pack a picnic and spend a lazy afternoon by the water.

Where to Stay: BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park

BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park is perfectly positioned for exploring the north. Located just minutes from the city centre and Cataract Gorge, this well-equipped park offers:

Powered sites for caravans and motorhomes
Cabins and villas for those who prefer a roof overhead
Camp kitchen with modern facilities
Swimming pool to cool off after a day exploring
Playground for families with kids
Pet-friendly options - Your furry friend can come too

It's an ideal base for 2-3 nights while you explore the gorge, visit local wineries, and prepare for the journey ahead.

East Coast (3-4 Days)

Tasmania's east coast is where you'll find those iconic orange-lichen-covered boulders and impossibly clear water.

Bay of Fires

The Bay of Fires consistently ranks among Australia's most beautiful beaches. The striking orange and red lichen on the granite boulders against white sand and turquoise water creates an otherworldly landscape.

Binalong Bay - The main access point and a great spot for swimming
The Gardens - Northern end with camping and walking tracks
Multi-day walks - The Bay of Fires Lodge Walk is a bucket-list experience

Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay

No Tasmania trip is complete without seeing Wineglass Bay. The classic walk to the lookout takes about an hour return, but fit hikers should continue down to the beach (2.5-3 hours return).

Wineglass Bay Lookout - The iconic viewpoint
Hazards Beach - Less crowded alternative
Cape Tourville Lighthouse - Accessible boardwalk with panoramic views
Sleepy Bay - Dramatic rock formations

Bicheno

This charming fishing village is famous for its Little Penguin colony. Join an evening tour to watch penguins waddle home from the sea.

Where to Stay: East Coast Parks

BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park - Great base for Bay of Fires exploration
BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park - Walking distance to Coles Bay and park entrance
Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park - Near the penguin colony and blowhole

Hobart and Surrounds (2-3 Days)

Tasmania's capital has transformed into a foodie and cultural destination that rivals anywhere in Australia.

MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)

David Walsh's provocative underground museum is unlike anything else. Love it or hate it, you won't forget it. Take the ferry from Brooke Street Pier for the full experience.

Salamanca Market

Every Saturday morning, Salamanca Place comes alive with 300+ stalls. Fresh produce, local crafts, buskers, and the best people-watching in Tasmania.

kunanyi/Mount Wellington

The 21km drive to the summit takes you through temperate rainforest to an alpine moonscape. On clear days, you can see across the entire southeast. The Organ Pipes, dramatic dolerite columns, are worth the drive alone.

Where to Stay: Hobart Area Parks

Barilla Holiday Park - 15 minutes from the city centre
Hobart Showground Caravan Park - Central location during non-event periods
Seven Mile Beach Cabin & Caravan Park - Near the airport with beach access

West Coast and Cradle Mountain (3-4 Days)

The wild west is where Tasmania gets properly dramatic. Expect winding roads, ancient rainforests, and far fewer tourists.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

The icon of Tasmania's wilderness. Even a short visit is unforgettable, but try to spend at least one full day here.

Dove Lake Circuit - A 6km, 2-hour walk around the lake with Cradle Mountain as backdrop
Waldheim Chalet - Historic hut with short walking tracks nearby
Overland Track - The famous 6-day walk starts here (requires planning and booking)
Wildlife spotting - Wombats are commonly seen grazing at dusk

Tip: Weather changes rapidly. Pack layers and waterproofs even in summer. Book the park shuttle in advance during peak season.

Strahan and the West Coast

The mining-town-turned-tourist-hub is your gateway to the Gordon River and wilderness.

Gordon River Cruise - Glide through World Heritage wilderness and visit Sarah Island
West Coast Wilderness Railway - Steam train through rainforest (various journey options)
Ocean Beach - 33km of wild, windswept sand
Henty Dunes - Sandboard or just climb for the views

Queenstown

This quirky mining town is surrounded by lunar-like hills stripped bare by a century of smelting. The regenerating landscape tells an interesting environmental story.

Where to Stay: West Coast Parks

Discovery Holiday Parks – Cradle Mountain - The closest park to the national park
Strahan Holiday Retreat - Waterfront location in the heart of town
Queenstown Cabin & Caravan Park - Budget-friendly base for exploring

Bonus: Bruny Island (Day Trip)

If you have a spare day from Hobart, the ferry to Bruny Island is worth it.

The Neck - Walk the boardwalk for 360-degree views
Get Shucked - Fresh oysters at the source
Cape Bruny Lighthouse - Tasmania's second-oldest lighthouse
Wildlife cruises - Seals, dolphins, and dramatic coastline

Accommodation Planning

Holiday parks make Tasmania accessible and affordable. Here's a suggested route with accommodation:

Region	Nights	Suggested Park
Launceston	2-3	BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park
East Coast	2-3	BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet or BIG4 St Helens
Hobart	2-3	Barilla Holiday Park
Cradle Mountain	2	Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain
Strahan	1-2	Strahan Holiday Retreat

Total: 10-14 nights with flexibility to extend where you love it most.

Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit

December-February - Warmest weather, longest days, peak crowds
March-May - Autumn colours, smaller crowds, great hiking weather
September-November - Wildflowers, fewer tourists, variable weather

Driving Tips

Take your time - Tasmanian roads wind through mountains. Allow longer than Google Maps suggests.
Watch for wildlife - Dusk and dawn are danger times for roadkill
Fill up regularly - Petrol stations can be sparse on the west coast
Check road conditions - Some roads close in winter or after heavy rain

What to Pack

Layers, layers, layers – Four seasons in one day is real
Quality rain jacket – Not just a cheap poncho
Comfortable walking shoes – You'll want to explore
Binoculars – For wildlife and scenery
Reusable water bottle – Tassie tap water is excellent
Camera with spare batteries – Cold drains batteries fast

Quick Itinerary Summary

Days	Base	Highlights
1-3	Launceston	Cataract Gorge, Tamar Valley wineries
4-5	St Helens/Bicheno	Bay of Fires, penguin tours
6-7	Freycinet	Wineglass Bay, Sleepy Bay
8-9	Hobart	MONA, Salamanca Market, kunanyi
10	Hobart	Port Arthur day trip
11-12	Cradle Mountain	Dove Lake, wildlife spotting
13-14	Strahan	Gordon River cruise, drive to departure point